Alabama: Growing Corruption Probe

Court papers indicate Ala. gambling probe growing

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say in court papers that their gambling investigation in Alabama has grown beyond the legislators, lobbyists and casino owners who have already been indicted.

The disclosure comes in notes that FBI agents took during interviews with Country Crossing casino lobbyist Jarrod Massey, who has pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy.

Another lobbyist indicted in the case, VictoryLand representative Tom Coker, had sought complete copies of the FBI's notes from six interviews with Massey before his guilty plea Dec. 20. Coker's lawyer, David McKnight, said the notes are necessary to prepare Coker's defense.

Federal prosecutors provided copies but withheld some material, including entire pages. Attorneys with the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section said in court filings that the undisclosed material "pertains to an ongoing criminal investigation involving facts beyond the scope of the indictment in this matter."

They said disclosure of the material "at this juncture would risk exposing the details of such investigation."

When asked if the court papers indicate more people will be indicted, Justice Department spokeswoman Laura Sweeney said Monday she couldn't comment beyond the information in the court documents.

Coker's attorney said Wednesday the language in the court papers is not something the FBI routinely uses to try to keep notes private, and its presence is significant.

"There is definitely another investigation ongoing. What it entails I can't say," McKnight said.

Prosecutors have offered to give the complete notes to Coker's lawyer by Jan. 31 unless some reason arises to justify withholding the material. McKnight filed papers Wednesday saying he can agree to getting the notes no later than Jan. 31 "given the government's representation about the ongoing investigation."

Massey and Coker were among 11 people arrested Oct. 4 on an indictment accusing them of buying and selling votes on pro-gambling legislation. The remaining 10 defendants are scheduled for trial April 4.